Gels最新文献

{"title":"Biocomposite Polyvinyl Alcohol/Ferritin Hydrogels with Enhanced Stretchability and Conductivity for Flexible Strain Sensors.","authors":"Qiang Fu, Junxiao Tang, Weimin Wang, Rongjie Wang","doi":"10.3390/gels11010059","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11010059","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Protein-based hydrogels with stretchability and conductivity have potential applications in wearable electronic devices. However, the development of protein-based biocomposite hydrogels is still limited. In this work, we used natural ferritin to develop a PVA/ferritin biocomposite hydrogel by a repetitive freeze-thaw method. In this biocomposite hydrogel, ferritin, as a nano spring, forms a hydrogen bond with the PVA networks, which reduces the crystallinity of PVA and significantly improves the stretchability of the hydrogel. The fracture strain of the PVA/ferritin hydrogel is 203%, and the fracture stress is 112.2 kPa. The fracture toughness of the PVA/ferritin hydrogel is significantly enhanced to 147.03 kJ/m³, more than 3 times that of the PVA hydrogel (39.17 kJ/m³). In addition, the free residues and iron ions of ferritin endow the biocomposite hydrogel with enhanced ionic conductivity (0.15 S/m). The strain sensor constructed from this hydrogel shows good sensitivity (gauge factor = 1.7 at 150% strain), accurate real-time resistance response, and good long cyclic working stability when used for joint motion monitoring. The results indicate that a PVA/ferritin biocomposite hydrogel prepared by a facile method has enhanced stretchability and conductivity for flexible strain sensors. This work develops a new method for the preparation of protein-based hydrogels for wearable electronic devices.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11764909/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143032734","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Polymer Network Architecture on Adsorption Kinetics at Liquid-Liquid Interfaces: A Comparison Between Poly(NIPAM-co-AA) Copolymer Microgels and Interpenetrating Network Microgels.","authors":"Galina A Komarova, Elena Yu Kozhunova, Rustam A Gumerov, Igor I Potemkin, Irina R Nasimova","doi":"10.3390/gels11010058","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11010058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Understanding the adsorption features of polymer microgels with different chemical compositions and structures is crucial in studying the mechanisms of respective emulsion stabilization. Specifically, the use of stimuli-responsive particles can introduce new properties and broaden the application range of such complex systems. Recently, we demonstrated that emulsions stabilized by microgels composed of interpenetrating networks (IPNs) of poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAM) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) exhibit higher colloidal stability upon heating compared to PNIPAM homopolymer and other relevant PNIPAM-based copolymer counterparts. In the present work, using pendant drop tensiometry, we studied the evolution of water-tetradecane interfacial tension during the adsorption of PNIPAM-PAA IPN particles, comparing them with single-network P-(NIPAM-co-AA) and PNIPAM microgels. The results showed that, despite having the same chemical composition, copolymer particles exhibit completely different adsorption behavior in comparison to other microgel architectures. The observed disparity can be attributed to the nonuniform distribution of charged acrylic acid groups within the P-(NIPAM-co-AA) network obtained through precipitation polymerization. Oppositely, the presence of IPN architecture provides a uniform distribution of different monomers inside respective microgels. Additionally, hydrogen bonding between PNIPAM and PAA subchains appears to reduce the electrostatic energy barrier, enhancing the ability of IPN particles to successfully cover the liquid interface. Overall, our findings confirm the efficiency of using PNIPAM-PAA IPN microgels for the preparation of oil-in-water emulsions and their stability, even when the temperature rises above the lower critical solution temperature of PNIPAM.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11765460/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143032683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Injectable Chitosan Hydrogel Particles as Nasal Packing Materials After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Treatment of Chronic Sinusitis.","authors":"Yusuke Yamashita, Kei Hosoya, Yukio Fujiwara, Yoichi Saito, Masahiro Yoshida, Shoji Matsune, Kimihiro Okubo, Takayuki Takei","doi":"10.3390/gels11010060","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11010060","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>After endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), nasal packing is often used to stop bleeding and promote wound healing. Because maintaining a moist environment is important to enhance wound healing, hydrogel-based wound dressings are effective to promote wound healing. Chitosan is used in the medical field because of its high hemostatic and wound healing properties. We developed a pH-neutral and non-toxic chitosan hydrogel, which was difficult to achieve using conventional methods. In this study, we show in animal experiments that the chitosan hydrogel (hydrogel particles) had higher wound healing properties than a commercially available solid wound dressing (dry state) composed of the same polymer. Additionally, we applied the injectable chitosan hydrogel particles as nasal packing materials to patients with bilateral chronic sinusitis undergoing ESS in a pilot clinical study. Concerning symptom scores, though the results narrowly missed statistical differences (<i>p</i> < 0.05), the average scores of our chitosan hydrogel were superior to those of a commercially available wound dressing (especially <i>p</i> = 0.09 for nasal bleeding). These findings suggest that the injectable chitosan hydrogel could be a viable option as a packing material following ESS.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11764751/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143032830","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Beneficial Role of Polysaccharide Hydrocolloids in Meat Products: A Review.","authors":"Hanxiao Bao, Yuxi Wang, Yue Huang, Yuhao Zhang, Hongjie Dai","doi":"10.3390/gels11010055","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11010055","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Polysaccharide hydrocolloids have garnered increasing attention from consumers, experts, and food processing industries due to their advantages of abundant resources, favorable thickening properties, emulsification stability, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and high acceptance as food additives. This review focuses on the application of polysaccharide hydrocolloids and their beneficial roles in meat products by focusing on several commonly used polysaccharides (i.e., cellulose, chitosan, starch, sodium alginate, pectin, and carrageenan). Firstly, the recent advancements of polysaccharide hydrocolloids used in meat products are briefly introduced, along with their structure and potential application prospects. Then, the beneficial roles of polysaccharide hydrocolloids in meat products are comprehensively summarized and highlighted, including retarding lipid and protein oxidation, enhancing nutritional properties, improving texture and color quality, providing antibacterial activity, monitoring freshness, acting as a cryoprotectant, improving printability, and ensuring security. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of polysaccharide hydrocolloids in meat products are also introduced.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11764839/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143032883","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant Activity, and Flavor Profile of Strawberry Fruit-Based Novel Drinking Jelly Made with <i>Gracilaria fisheri</i> Seaweed as a Gelling Agent at Varying Concentrations.","authors":"Narin Charoenphun, Paramee Noonim, Somwang Lekjing, Chawakwan Nitikornwarakul, Nam Hoang Pham, Karthikeyan Venkatachalam","doi":"10.3390/gels11010054","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11010054","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Gracilaria fisheri</i> (GF) is a red seaweed that is widely found in Southeast Asia and has gained attention for its potential bioactive compounds and versatile applications in food products. This study explored the potential of GF as a natural gelling agent in the development of sustainable strawberry-based drinking jelly. By utilizing GF at varying concentrations (0.2 (S1), 0.4 (S2), 0.6 (S3), 0.8 (S4), and 1.0% (S5)), the impact on the physicochemical, textural, phytochemical, and flavor profiles of the strawberry concentrate-based drinking jelly was examined. The results demonstrated that GF concentration significantly affected the color characteristics, structural development, and flavor profiles of the drinking jelly samples. Increasing GF levels progressively enhanced the lightness (L*) and redness (a*) values while reducing the yellowness (b*), with optimal visual appeal achieved in the S4 samples compared to others. Microscopical observations revealed that gel matrix development improved with GF concentrations up to 0.8% (S4), transitioning from a sparse, liquid-like structure at lower levels to a compact, over-gelated network at 1.0% (S5). Physicochemical parameters, including pH, total soluble solid (TSS), and TSS/titratable acidity (TA) ratios, increased with GF levels, contributing to a sweeter, less acidic product, while water activity (a_w) decreased, enhancing jelly stability. Viscosity and sulfate content increased significantly with GF concentration, indicating improved gel strength but reduced fluidity. Phytochemical analysis revealed that ascorbic acid (AsA) and total phenolic content (TPC) decreased progressively with higher GF levels, leading to a reduction in antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS). Volatile compound analysis identified alcohols, esters, and aldehydes as dominant contributors to the flavor profile. 1-Octanol (waxy, citrus-like) and methyl anthranilate (grape-like, sweet) increased substantially, while minor groups such as terpenoids and phenolic compounds contributed floral and woody notes. The findings suggest that S4 samples strike the optimal balance between texture, color, flavor, and antioxidant properties, achieving a cohesive, visually appealing, and flavorful drinking jelly suitable for commercial applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11765474/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143032680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microstructural Analysis and Radiological Characterization of Alkali-Activated Materials Based on Aluminosilicate Waste and Metakaolin.","authors":"Nataša Mladenović Nikolić, Aleksandar Kandić, Jelena Potočnik, Nemanja Latas, Marija Ivanović, Snežana Nenadović, Ljiljana Kljajević","doi":"10.3390/gels11010057","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11010057","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The formation of an aluminosilicate gel structure made of alkali-activated materials (AAMs) was conducted through an alkali-activation reaction of the solid precursors (fly ash, metakaolin, and wood ash). Fly and wood ash are by-products of the burning process of coal and wood, respectively. Alkali-activated materials of aluminosilicate origin, made from the different ashes, fly and wood, are very attractive research targets and can be applied in various technological fields due to their thermal stability, resistance to thermal shock, high porosity, high sustainability, and finally, low energy loss during production. In this paper, we evaluate physico-chemical properties, microstructure, and radiological environmental impacts when wastes that contain elevated levels of naturally occurring radionuclides (NORs) such as fly ash and wood ash are made into \"green cements\" such as AAMs. The determination of radionuclide content was performed by means of gamma-ray spectrometry. Results showed that the AAMs have a lower value in the activity concentration of radionuclides than raw materials. The external absorbed gamma dose rate was 74.7-107.3 nGy/h, and the external radiation hazard index values were in range of 0.445-0.628 Bq/kg. The results of the activity concentration measurements for alkali-activated materials indicate the potential of their safe application in building construction. In terms of the structural characterizations, the obtained alkali-activated materials were examined using XRD, DRIFT, FESEM, and TEM analyses.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11765221/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143032236","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reducing the Radioactive Surface Contamination Level of Cobalt-60-Contaminated Material with PVA-Glycerol-EDTA Combination Gel.","authors":"Rezky Anggakusuma, Gemilang Lara Utama, Muhammad Khoirul Zain, Kartini Megasari","doi":"10.3390/gels11010056","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11010056","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Decommissioning of nuclear facilities can be performed in stages. One of the stages and processes in decontamination is the decontamination process before dismantling or facility area recovery activities. Decontamination can be performed using various methods, primarily physical and chemical. One chemical method involves using a gel made of polymers for decontamination. In this study, a gel consisting of a mixture of 15 g polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), 15 mL of glycerol, and 2 g Na-EDTA was dissolved in 100 mL. The three materials were dissolved in hot conditions until they dissolved, and a gel was formed. The formed gel was applied to the material contaminated by Co-60 with a radioactivity of 81 µCi, as much as 5 µL. The decontamination radioactive efficiency test results range from 53% to 98%, with the highest decontamination efficiency observed on glass media. This study also showed that higher EDTA concentrations can increase the ability of the PVA-glycerol gel to absorb and bind Co. This study also found that decontamination efficiency was influenced by the type of contaminated material and the concentration of EDTA. It can be concluded that gels with a composition of PVA, glycerol, and EDTA can reduce the level of contamination on the surface of materials made of glass, ceramics, and metal plates.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11765102/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143032923","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hydrogel-Based Innovations in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Bridging Pathophysiological Complexities and Translational Therapeutic Gaps.","authors":"Venera Cristina Dinescu, Liviu Martin, Marius Bica, Ramona Constantina Vasile, Andrei Gresita, Marius Bunescu, Mihai Andrei Ruscu, Madalina Aldea, Alexandra Daniela Rotaru-Zavaleanu","doi":"10.3390/gels11010052","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11010052","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent neuropathic disorder caused by chronic compression of the median nerve, leading to sensory and motor impairments. Conventional treatments, such as corticosteroid injections, wrist splinting, and surgical decompression, often fail to provide adequate outcomes for chronic or recurrent cases, emphasizing the need for innovative therapies. Hydrogels, highly biocompatible three-dimensional biomaterials with customizable properties, hold significant potential for CTS management. Their ability to mimic the extracellular matrix facilitates localized drug delivery, anti-adhesion barrier formation, and tissue regeneration. Advances in hydrogel engineering have introduced stimuli-responsive systems tailored to the biomechanical environment of the carpal tunnel, enabling sustained therapeutic release and improved tissue integration. Despite these promising developments, hydrogel applications for CTS remain underexplored. Key challenges include the absence of CTS-specific preclinical models and the need for rigorous clinical validation. Addressing these gaps could unlock the full potential of hydrogel-based interventions, which offer minimally invasive, customizable solutions that could improve long-term outcomes and reduce recurrence rates. This review highlights hydrogels as a transformative approach to CTS therapy, advocating for continued research to address translational barriers. These innovations have the potential to redefine the treatment landscape, significantly enhancing patient care and quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11764971/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143032814","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Thermosensitive Porcine Myocardial Extracellular Matrix Hydrogel Coupled with Proanthocyanidins for Cardiac Tissue Engineering.","authors":"José Luis Hidalgo-Vicelis, Angélica Raquel Rivera-Contreras, Beatriz Hernández-Téllez, Gabriela Piñón-Zárate, Katia Jarquín-Yáñez, Tatiana Fiordelisio-Coll, José Manuel Saniger-Blesa, Gertrudis Hortensia González-Gómez, María Alicia Falcón-Neri, María Margarita Canales-Martínez, Andrés Eliú Castell-Rodríguez","doi":"10.3390/gels11010053","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11010053","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Currently, there are no therapies that prevent the negative myocardial remodeling process that occurs after a heart attack. Injectable hydrogels are a treatment option because they may replace the damaged extracellular matrix and, in addition, can be administered minimally invasively. Reactive oxygen species generated by ischemia-reperfusion damage can limit the therapeutic efficacy of injectable hydrogels. In order to overcome this limitation, grape seed proanthocyanidins were incorporated as antioxidant compounds into a thermosensitive myocardial extracellular matrix hydrogel in this study. For the fabrication of the hydrogel, the extracellular matrix obtained by decellularization of porcine myocardium was solubilized through enzymatic digestion, and the proanthocyanidins were incorporated. After exposing this extracellular matrix solution to 37 °C, it self-assembled into a hydrogel with a porous structure. According to the physicochemical and biological evaluation, the coupling of proanthocyanidins in the hydrogel has a positive effect on the antioxidant capacity, gelation kinetics, in vitro degradation, and cardiomyocyte viability, indicating that the hydrogel coupled with this type of antioxidants represents a promising alternative for potential application in post-infarction myocardial regeneration. Furthermore, this study proposes the best concentrations of proanthocyanidins that resulted in the hydrogels for future studies in cardiac tissue engineering.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11764510/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143032961","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Role of Ionizing Radiation Techniques in Polymeric Hydrogel Synthesis for Tissue Engineering Applications.","authors":"Ion Călina, Maria Demeter, Anca Scărișoreanu, Awn Abbas, Muhammad Asim Raza","doi":"10.3390/gels11010047","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11010047","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hydrogels are widely utilized in industrial and scientific applications owing to their ability to immobilize active molecules, cells, and nanoparticles. This capability has led to their growing use in various biomedical fields, including cell culture and transplantation, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. Among the available synthesis techniques, ionizing-radiation-induced fabrication stands out as an environmentally friendly method for hydrogel preparation. In alignment with the current requirements for cleaner technologies, developing hydrogels using gamma and electron beam irradiation technologies represents a promising and innovative approach for their biomedical applications. A key advantage of these methods is their ability to synthesize homogeneous three-dimensional networks in a single step, without the need for chemical initiators or catalysts. Additionally, the fabrication process is controllable by adjusting the radiation dose and dose rate.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11764499/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143032924","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}